KM Bagel & Waffle @ Tanjong Pagar - A Fun Bagel & Waffle Omakase Concept With Cocktail Pairing

Located on the second floor of the Tanjong Pagar Plaza is KM Bagel & Waffle, Singapore's first bagel and waffle bar. It is a small restaurant with a 15 seater round bar. As per its name, the restaurant's menu focuses on bagels, waffles and bespoke cocktail pairing. We had the 5 Course Chef's Curation Menu ($118). If you go for the cocktail pairing, it comes with an additional $108.

Canapes 4/5

Our first course is a selection of Canapes. The plate consists of Crab Rillette on Bagel, Foie Gras on Bagel, Tuna Tartare with Oscietra Caviar on Waffle and Dill Egg White Foam with Oscietra on Waffle. These are all delectable canapes to kickstart the meal with a few cocktails.

With the round bar seating, you can fully view the bartender shaking up your cocktails. For our dinner, we left it to the bartender to do the pairing, which was excellent.

Salad 3.5/5

Next is the Salad item comprising mesclun, burrata, plum infused cherry tomatoes, dates, blood orange and yellow frisee, dressed in basil oil and citrus shallot vinaigrette. It is a pleasing starter to ease into the main course.

Duck & Waffles 3.8/5

There are two mains for the five-course menu. The first main is Duck & Waffles. The duck breast is sous vide to fork-tender, paired with duck crackling, charred sweet corn, wakame and potato bacon waffle. I like the addition of bacon in the waffle, accentuating the flavour of the soft, fluffy waffle.

Lobster & Clams 4.2/5

From the land, we moved to the sea for our next main. The Lobster & Clams is served in a miso and chrysanthemum infused broth packed with umami, brightening the enjoyment of the boston lobster and diamond shell clams. The toasted bagel is perfect for wiping up the delicious broth.

Mochiko Waffles 3.5/5

Wrapping up our five-course menu, we have the Mochiko Waffles for dessert. The soft and spongy mochiko waffles come with a scoop of salted lavender caramel ice cream, paired with assorted berries, citrus chantilly, berry compote, and cinnamon crumble.

I observed the kitchen serve different desserts for each group. I guess it gives an element of surprise and variety to the customer. The other dessert is ice cream in a sugar dome with assorted berries.

KM Bagel & Waffle is an interesting and fun concept, pairing bagel and waffles with bespoke cocktails. I enjoyed the food and cocktails. The idea is pretty new to the local scene, but with the food and cocktail on the spot, I hope more people will get to discover it and enjoy it.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


KM Bagel & Waffle
7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
#02-101
Singapore 081007
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 12 midnight
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

sen-ryo @ ION Orchard - Celebrates First Anniversary With Special Dishes And New Lunch Offerings

sen-ryo, which originates from Tochigi, Japan, celebrates its first anniversary in Singapore. Open on 01 April 2021, the restaurant is known for its well priced, top-notch offerings. It is hard to get a seat at the Japanese restaurant with reservations 2-3 months in advance. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Sen-ryo presents special dishes and new set lunch offerings to add to its already popular ones. There is even an exclusive gift for dine-in customers.

Tai Carpaccio with Truffle Soy and Shio Konbu 4.5/5

We start with the Chef's special of the day - Tai Carpaccio with Truffle Soy and Shio Kombu ($19.80). The addition of truffle soy and shio kombu accentuated the enjoyment of the clean tasting sea bream.

Otoro with Shio Koji Negitoro 4.8/5 & Abalone Sushi 3.8/5

Next, for the sushi dish, we had the Otoro with Shio Koji Negitoro ($11.80) and Abalone Sushi ($6.80). I love the otoro with shio koji negitoro for its multi-textural melted in the mouth enjoyment.

Kaki Soy Nabe 4.8/5

The restaurant has levelled up the popular Kaisen Soy Nabe with the introduction of the new Kaki Soy Nabe ($38.80), whereby freshly shucked Hyogo Oysters are added to the hotpot. The Japanese soy milk-dashi soup base is super good. So good that I have gone back for a few extra bowls. Besides the plump and sweet oysters, diners can also find chewy Kuzukiri noodles, tofu, vegetables and shiitake in the hotpot.

Sen-ryo Premium Sushi Set 5/5

Not to be missed at Sen-ryo is their lunch sets. One of the popular lunch sets is the sen-ryo Premium Sushi Set ($32.80) which comes with an assortment of sushi with premium seafood. On the plate, customers can look forwardto a beautiful plate of chutoro, maguro with spicy sauce, salmon, hamachi, hotate, akaebi, unagi, ikura gunkan and ebi fry maki. Completing the sets are chawanmushi, miso soup and tomato salad.

Sen-ryo Special Bento 4.2/5

Another popular lunch set is the sen-ryo Special Bento ($29.80) which comprises nine of the chef's recommended side dishes, including assorted sashimi flown in fresh from Japan, signature sen-ryo tamagoyaki, tofu in goma sauce, ebi tempura and tako karaage. The set also comes with rice, miso soup and warabi mochi. Some items may change.

Sen-ryo Kushiyaki Set 4.2/5

It has also launched three new lunch sets in conjunction with the restaurant's first anniversary. One of the three new lunch sets is the sen-ryo Kushiyaki Set ($20.80), which will delight skewer-fan with five sticks of ebi, hotate, tsukune, shiitake and onion, complete with rice, chawanmushi, miso soup, salad and pickles.

Peach Sorbet 4.5/5

Lemon Sorbet 4.5/5

Be in for a cute and sweet ending surprise in the range of fruit desserts specially brought in from Toyama, Japan. We tried the Peach Sorbet ($11.80) and Lemon Ice Cream ($6.80), which tasted and came in the shape of the real fruit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


sen-ryo
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#03-14
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 69746782
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Basdban @ Telok Ayer - Rock & Roll Sichuanese Food

Basdban is the latest concept by the folks behind contemporary Sichuan-influenced restaurant Birds of a Feather. Taking over the space previously occupied by 51 Soho, Basdban is under the new stewardship of Chef Pang Kok Keong. Basdban strides to introduce the authentic and bold flavours of Sichuan cuisine with a touch of fun.

Roasted Eggplant 4.5/5

This is not an ordinary Roasted Eggplant ($14). Instead, the creative pairing of garlic sauce, smoked bacon, mixed cheeses and funky popcorn with the ordinary eggplant turns it into a unique and delicious dish. Now I understand what the restaurant meant by introducing Sichuan flavours with a touch of fun.

Whampoa Omelette 4.5/5

The dish's name - Whampoa Omelette ($20), caught my attention when browsing the menu. I was pleasantly surprised by the egg omelette's fluffiness, paired with spicy, tangy crab meat sauce and finished with nori dust. It is a beautiful dish both in taste and presentation.

Fried Crispy Pork Trotter 3.5/5

The Fried Crispy Pork Trotter ($14) is served in a paper bag of gentle spice mix. Give it a good shake to give the bite-sized chunks of braised trotter fried to crisp a delight coat of the spice mix. There is also a non-spicy option.

Lalalalalala Fried Chicken 4.8/5

Another interestingly named dish is the Lalalalalala Fried Chicken ($26 | $34). The plate of juicy chunks of fried chicken and tender clams are tossed in a gleaming heap of fragrant Er Jing Tiao green chilli chunks. It is addictive combination of meaty succulence and refreshing crunch in each bite.

B-52 4/5

For those who prefer the spicy version of fried chicken, you can go for the B-52 ($20 | $28). it is indeed packed with fiery spiciness, but I thought it lacked the dumbness from the mala.

Basdban Donabe 4.5/5

Great for sharing is the Basdban Donabe ($35 | $48). Lifting the claypot lid reveals an aroma pot of rice brimming with Sichuan waxed meat, spicy sausage, dried sole, morel mushrooms, special shoyu, edamame sakura ebi, crab and most importantly, pork lard. Infused with the ingredients' essences, each mouthful of the rice is filled with complex yet lovely flavours that will make you go back for more.

Cheesecake Ice Cream 4/5

We tried two different ice creams on the menu for dessert - Cheesecake Ice Cream ($14) and Fermented Rice Ice Cream ($12). The cheesecake ice cream with vanilla tuile and strawberry compote is light and refreshing. However, I prefer the fermented rice ice cream paired with osmanthus poached pear and charcoal coral. It has unique yet distinct rice fragrant, giving it a sweet and savoury finishing.

Fermented Rice Ice Cream 4.2/5

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Basdban
51 Telok Ayer Street
#01-01
Singapore 048441
Tel: +65 97551058
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Beach Road Kitchen @ JW Marriott Singapore South Beach - The Art Of Afternoon Tea in Collaboration with Nespresso

In celebration of Earth Day on 22 April 2022, Beach Road Kitchen at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has collaborated with Nespresso to launch The Art of Afternoon Tea ($40++ per person). Guests will find Nespresso-centric savoury treats and coffee-infused sweets. The Afternoon Tea is available every Saturday and Sunday 3.30 pm-5.30 pm for April and May 2022.

Before diving right into the main course, enjoy their warm entree of Lobster Bisque and Quiche Lorraine, included in the afternoon tea set.

Indulge in coffee infusion treats such as the Chocolate "Origin Brazil" Duck Rillettes and Foie Gras "Origin Peru Organic" Tart for savouries.

The local favourite kaya toast inspires the Truffle Kaya "Guatemala" Toast. The coffee's elegant bitterness balances the sweetness from the kaya spread.

Another of my favourite is the Lobster Tartare with a crispy charcoal shell and the Salmon Tartare with pesto cone.

The sweets selection was both a visual and sensory pleasure. My favourites include the Vanilla "Origin Guatemala" Coffee Caramel Tart, Latte "Peru Organic" Gateau, and Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. The melt in the mouth Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse stood out for its luscious creaminess, neither too sweet nor bitter.

Coffee-infused sweets include the Raspberry Coffee Praline, which is punchy and robust in its fruity aroma without overpowering the coffee's bittersweet notes.

Take a break from the caffeine loaded treats with the Pistachio Strawberry Swiss Roll and Lemon Almond Gateau, which are equally delicious.

Enjoy the quintessential Scones in plain and tomato flavours, served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and raspberry rose jam. However, we found the scones a tad dry and lacking in the buttery taste.

End the afternoon tea on an even sweeter note with their Softserve Ice Cream with berries. We had the yoghurt flavour, which is superbly creamy and has a nice tangy-sweet flavour.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Beach Road Kitchen
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 68181913
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Chatterbox @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Iconic Coffee House Celebrates 51 years With Brand New Space, Menu And Dining Experience

Known for its world-famous chicken rice since it first opened its doors in 1971, Chatterbox has recently unveiled a brand new look at the newly-minted Hilton Singapore Orchard. The revamped menu is now more focused but comprehensive with starters, meat, seafood and vegetable courses, including a shortlist of meat-free items.

Chatterbox’s Punch

Be surprised by the bar at Chatterbox the moment you enter. For starters, a signature cocktail is recommended. Chatterbox's Punch ($17) is an easy-drinking gin and tonic concocted with vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, and banana-infused gin served with house tonic.

Mackerel & Crab Otah-Otah 4/5

Wok-fried Sambal Wing Beans 3/5

We started with two very flavoursome dishes - Mackerel & Crab Otah-Otah ($15) and Wok-fried Sambal Wing Beans ($8). Otah lovers will not be disappointed with the well-seasoned parcel of fresh mackerel fish paste, which is elevated with the addition of snow crab claw meat. However, I didn't quite enjoy the latter as the rempah was a tad sweet for my liking.

Lemon Butter Tiger Prawns 4.5/5

Sea Perch with Burnt Green Chilli 3.5/5

On the menu, you will find premium seafood dishes such as Lemon Butter Tiger Prawns ($25) and Sea Perch with Burnt Green Chilli ($28). Twice-fried before coating with lemon butter sauce, the shelled tiger prawns, were incredibly succulent, bouncy and firm. As for the latter, I would prefer a more zingy and zesty chilli topping for some freshness to counter the richness of the fried fish.

Mandarin Chicken Rice 4.5/5

The legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice ($25 for Individual Set | $38 for Half Chicken | $72 for Whole Chicken) is a must-try. Using only chickens that weigh around 2kg each, Chef Liew adopts a 'steam-cook' method. And what came to our table was lean, light and tender chicken. The set includes a punchy proprietary chilli sauce, grated ginger, dark soy sauce and a soul-satisfying bowl of chicken broth. The chilli sauce and even the grated ginger, specially sourced to secure ginger of a particular age, were amazingly good. A second helping may be necessary!

Seafood Hokkien Mee 4.5/5

Lobster Laksa 2.5/5

A rice and noodles section offers a luxurious version of our hawker fare - Seafood Hokkien Mee ($25) served on an opeh leaf and Lobster Laksa ($34). Premium ingredients aside, the hokkien mee impressed with a flavoursome umami broth that was further enlivened with a squeeze of calamasi. The laksa, however, disappoints with a relatively weak gravy.

Signature Coconut Ice Cream 2.8/5

For nostalgia's sake, you may wish to try Chatterbox's Signature Coconut Ice Cream ($15), which has been on the menu since its opening. Homemade with fresh coconut milk, coconut flesh and desiccated coconut and served in a coconut husk.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chatterbox
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
#05-03
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 68316291
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 530am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Orchard Road. Turn left and walk to junction of Orchard Road and Grange Road. Cross the road. Continue on Orchard Road to Orchard Link. Turn left onto Orchard Link. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]